Henson apologises after flight incident

Gavin Henson has apologised for drinking and "behaving inappropriately" on a flight from Glasgow to Cardiff and admits he is "truly embarrassed" by the incident.

The 30-year-old Cardiff Blues player was suspended after an incident on a flight from Glasgow back to the Welsh capital on Saturday morning.

Henson issued a statement and said: "I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight, which is inappropriate behaviour."

A Cardiff Blues spokesman said he was suspended "with immediate effect" following the incident, while Flybe launched an investigation into the incident.

Henson's statement read: "I am releasing this statement in relation to the press reports and the fact that I have been suspended by the Cardiff Blues for drinking on a flight returning to Cardiff from Glasgow on Saturday 31st March.

"I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight which is inappropriate behaviour. I admit I had been out drinking in Glasgow on the Friday night following our game against Glasgow Warriors and had stupidly carried on drinking on the flight, for which I am truly embarrassed about.

"I can see that drinking and behaving inappropriately on that flight as a professional sportsman at 7am has caused offence to members of the public, the Flybe Airline staff and passengers.

"I know that I have let my team-mates, coaches, management, sponsors and indeed my family down with my actions. Drinking on that plane was inexcusable and I know that I must take responsibility for it.

"I also accept that in the light of this I need to learn from it and ensure this does not happen again.

"I am prepared to co-operate 100% with the Cardiff Blues wishes and will do everything that I need to do in order to make amends and enable the Blues to focus on our biggest game of the season next weekend. I remain fully focused and committed to Cardiff Blues and I hope they can accept my apology."